Educational Purposes and Means at Odds

• In Event: Roundtable Session 103
  In Roundtable Session: Systems Thinking Perspectives for New Paradigms and Structures in 21st-Century Schooling

Abstract

A systems analysis via the Family of Related Systemic Elements (FoRSE) Matrix will determine the degree of congruity between and sustainability of the declared purposes and the desired outcomes of school district and state educational purposes or goals and the means of achieving them. Communicated purposes do not align with the desired outcomes for the 21st century due to a non-whole system appreciation. This presents a dilemma for education that speaks about future needs in society. This paper will demonstrate the utility of systems thinking, in particular via the FoRSE Matrix to better understand the unsustainability of current change initiatives, and what to do about the incongruities or misalignments between educational purposes and the means of achieving them.

Author

• Blane Despres, Ripple Deep Consulting